What are the offices of elder
and deacon?
How do we find men for the offices of elder and deacon?
Elder and deacon are the two offices established in the New Testament for the local church. Only elders (or pastors) and deacons are ordained to formal, public service in the life of the congregation. The church offices are only for those who are biblically qualified and moved by the Holy Spirit of God to sacrificially pastor and serve God's family. Elders and deacons hold positions of sacred trust.
We pray for God's wisdom, study His Word, and pay attention to those who are already serving The Orchard well. It is worth spending time studying, reflecting on, and praying through what God's Word says about elders and deacons.
Nomination Process:
- Read the biblical requirements for the offices below.
- Speak with the person you want to nominate before filling out the form.
- Select the appropriate form below.
- Nominees will be notified and asked to complete an application.
- Speak with the person you want to nominate before filling out the form.
- Select the appropriate form below.
- Nominees will be notified and asked to complete an application.
Elder
An elder is a shepherd and overseer of a local church entrusted with protecting, leading, equipping, and caring for the corporate church body and her members.
ELDER QUALIFICATIONS FROM
1 TIMOTHY 3:1-7:
- Aspiration and desire
- Exemplify godly character – above reproach, self-controlled, gentle, not greedy.
- Able to teach – the ability to correctly explain scripture to others.
- A one-woman man – faithful to his wife; sexually pure.
- Manages his children and household well – leads, manages, and provides for his family; kids respect and obey their father.
- Hospitable – kindness, compassion, and care.
- Not a recent convert – needs to have established consistent patterns of faithfulness.
- Well thought of by outsiders – a good testimony within the community.
Deacon
Deacons are model servants who excel in being attentive and responsive to tangible needs in the life of the church.
DEACON QUALIFICATIONS FROM
1 TIMOTHY 3:8-13:
- Men worthy of respect – dignified, honorable, noble, highly esteemed.
- Sincere – lit. "not double-spoken;" honest and truthful; careful in speech.
- Not indulging in much wine – no addictions; self-controlled in habits.
- Not pursuing dishonest gain – not greedy; not "in it for the money" (i.e., aren't serving in hopes of eventually getting paid by the church).
- Must keep hold of the faith with a clear conscience – hold to sound theology; understand the gospel; no discrepancy between what they profess and how they live.
- Must first be tested – proved faithful over time; stand up under examination.
- A one-woman man – faithful to his wife; sexually pure.
- Manages his children and household well – leads, manages, and provides for his family; kids respect and obey their father.